TEXT: STATE DEPT. ON AMERICAN CHARGED WITH ESPIONAGE IN RUSSIA

(U.S. protests Russia's action against Richard Bliss) (280)
Washington -- The State Department released a statement December 5
saying it had called in the Russian ambassador "to protest the Russian
government's filing of espionage charges against Richard Bliss, an
American citizen" and had asked for Bliss's immediate release.
The statement continued, "The United States is disturbed that the
Russian authorities took this step as there is no credible reason for
the accusations made against him."
State Department Deputy Spokesman James B. Foley added, "The incident
could have negative consequences for our efforts to promote commercial
ties with Russia and Russia's desire to Integrate into the
international community."
Following is the text of the statement:
(Begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
December 5, 1997
STATEMENT BY JAMES B. FOLEY, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN
AMERICAN CHARGED IN RUSSIA
The Department of State today called in the Russian Ambassador to
protest the Russian government's filing of espionage charges against
Richard Bliss, an American citizen. We are urging the Russian
government to release Mr. Bliss immediately. The United States is
disturbed that the Russian authorities took this step, as there is no
credible reason for the accusations made against him. Mr. Bliss is an
engineer who was conducting legitimate business activities in a joint
venture to develop a cellular telephone network in Rostov.
This incident could have negative consequences for our efforts to
promote commercial ties with Russia and Russia's desire to integrate
into the international community. Many Americans will be watching
these developments closely.
We have raised this matter at the highest levels and will continue to
do so.
(End text)